I can't win with used amps

[rp108]

My Engl Savage 120 is producing this horrible buzz on all channels even when the guitar is not plugged in.

I just got the damn thing and it sounds like dog ass. None of my other amps are doing this of course so I know it's not something in my setup. Every tube amp I have bought on the used market via local store or Ebay has been garbage. How the FUCK do people not take care of their shit? My amps are mint, at least functionally and cosmetically pretty damn close. I don't get it. I swore over the summer no more used amps and sure enough I cave and this is what I get.

I am just venting. I am not going down the road of fixing this thing. Going right back to where I got it. Of course this was on Ebay. I should have known for the price I got it for it was too good to be true.

For any other Engl Savage 120 owners, apparently this is an issue. A google search shows other people having this same problem even some members on this forum. Damn shame, I was really looking forward to using the amp but I have no interest in fixing it. The seller of course stated none of this in the auction. Even say "The amp has no issues whatsoever". Yeah ok.

 

[Anonymous]

"No issues" is not the same as "No issues for an Engl"

Not really a surprise to get a noisy amp from that POS company

 

[rp108]

"No issues" is not the same as "No issues for an Engl"

Not really a surprise to get a noisy amp from that POS company

I have owned Engls before and honestly, they never had issues but I didn't keep them around long enough to know how well they hold up long term. It's frustrating. Especially when every freaking used amp I get has problems. I know people around here are gear people like me so I wouldn't have any issue getting one from rig-talk. Just seems I get boned elsewhere.

 

[R45VT]

Fix it. Cheaper than dealing with returning it. Flip it for money and win.

 

[rp108]

Fix it. Cheaper than dealing with returning it. Flip it for money and win.

I thought about it but if the fix is a major one I would probably break even in this used amp market. Someone on these forums mentioned they had the same issue and he said the fix is $300 minimum from the person they knew. Not worth it. Ship it back for $50 and get my money back.

I should mention that I DO NOT think this is reflective on Engl amps. I have owned Engls before and they were nice amps. I think the people that sold it took a broken amp on trade and either didn't realize it or didn't care.

 

[supersonic]

This is a risk of biting used and unseen.

 

[Tone Monster]

Fix it. Cheaper than dealing with returning it. Flip it for money and win.

I thought about it but if the fix is a major one I would probably break even in this used amp market. Someone on these forums mentioned they had the same issue and he said the fix is $300 minimum from the person they knew. Not worth it. Ship it back for $50 and get my money back.

I should mention that I DO NOT think this is reflective on Engl amps. I have owned Engls before and they were nice amps. I think the people that sold it took a broken amp on trade and either didn't realize it or didn't care.

I DO THINK its reflective of ENGL amps. They are built so shoddy, I don't see how they ever survive any shipping trip.

 

[MississippiMetal]

Tubes, brah. Change dem.

 

[rp108]

Tubes, brah. Change dem.

From what I read online, others had the same issue and tube changes didn't fix it. I am not even going to open it up. Already in the process of sending it back.

 

[rp108]

Fix it. Cheaper than dealing with returning it. Flip it for money and win.

I thought about it but if the fix is a major one I would probably break even in this used amp market. Someone on these forums mentioned they had the same issue and he said the fix is $300 minimum from the person they knew. Not worth it. Ship it back for $50 and get my money back.

I should mention that I DO NOT think this is reflective on Engl amps. I have owned Engls before and they were nice amps. I think the people that sold it took a broken amp on trade and either didn't realize it or didn't care.

I DO THINK its reflective of ENGL amps. They are built so shoddy, I don't see how they ever survive any shipping trip.

Care to talk more about it? I was under the impression Engls were solid builds.

 

[glip22]

Did you try a few simple things like cleaning all of the jacks?

 

[glpg80]

I'm not going to jump on the Engl hate wagon based on one amplifier. I was just helping a guy troubleshoot his 5150 II and 5150's have earned their badge as being solid. Not SLO/PTP solid but solid enough.

Sorry you got busted but honestly you do not know the history of this amplifier. It is hard to blame neglect and stupidity for build quality or design layout.

Engl amplifiers have many components to them which makes them more troublesome to fix should there be an issue. Also Engl does not openly release their schematics unless you're a certified engl technician which inside the states makes things a bit complicated. Thus tech costs rise for those who have their own local techs that does not involve shipping.

I have no problem with Engl, but i will say the price they charge versus the product they deliver is bloated.

 

[Reflux]

Almost traded off my Warp X for a Savage...glad I decided not to...

 

[blackba]

I can't seem to win with new amps. Most every new amp I have bought, I have sold and then I have to take the hit. Overall I have had great luck with new amps. I am not likely to buy a new amp or guitar anytime soon, just not had good luck doing that.

 

[rp108]

Quick update if anyone is interested. I changed all the preamp tubes last night and the hum was still there. Played it this morning and it seemed to be getting worse. It could be the poweramp tubes but I did the "tap" trick and didn't hear anything. Judging by the serial number it looks like this is an older one. Maybe a transformer issue. Who knows sending it back. Found an amp I am interested on rig-talk.

 

[xzyryabx]

That sux man....I'm on my third ENGl right now and have only had one or two minor issues over 7 years.

 

[mesa50w]

I clean all the pots, inputs with deoxit, roll some tubes ..and see if that helps ..I had a 6505+ that was noisy as all hell and clean the effects loop new pre amp tubes and all was good. Seems like a alot of people have problems with engal..Ive yet to own one

 

[Les Zombie]

I owned 9 engls and 6 of them i bought new. I had issues with 3 of the engls i bought new and i wasnt impressed with the quality at all, none of my problems was tube issues.
The amps just broke down and died. I cant stand engl amps or their lame customer support.

 

[rokket2005]

I've had two Engls, a fireball which I had for a year and a half and never had a problem with, and my invader which I've had for 2 and a half years and I've had to replace 1 preamp tube in that time.

 

[Anonymous]

8 different Engl models
Noisy Savage 120
Crappy build quality all around
Got rid of the others before they could crap out on me
Still got my E530; no power section = half the potentiel problems gone